CHILD SUPPORT 101 November 7 th , 2011 Presented by Department of Social and Health Services - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

CHILD SUPPORT 101 November 7 th , 2011 Presented by Department of Social and Health Services DCS Olympia Field Office.

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A hundred years from now, it will not matter how much money was in my bank account, the sort of house I lived in, or what kind of car I drove. . . But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.

When required by federal and state law, DCS charges a custodial parent who has never received TANF, Tribal TANF, or AFDC (Aid to Families with dependent children) as a custodian of a child a $25 annual fee.

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PATERNITY discovers a child is receiving TANF or certain categories of Medicaid in Washington, if the non-custodial parent is not in the household and DCS has no case.

Every child deserves to have a legal father,

To know who that father is, and

To claim the rights and benefits

That come with that knowledge.

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What is paternity? discovers a child is receiving TANF or certain categories of Medicaid in Washington, if the non-custodial parent is not in the household and DCS has no case.

Legally, paternity is the fact of being the male parent (father) to a child.

How do I establish paternity? discovers a child is receiving TANF or certain categories of Medicaid in Washington, if the non-custodial parent is not in the household and DCS has no case.

There are three ways to establish legal paternity:

Marriage (Presumed)

Court Order

Paternity Affidavit

Marriage discovers a child is receiving TANF or certain categories of Medicaid in Washington, if the non-custodial parent is not in the household and DCS has no case.

If the mother and father marry before the child’s birth, the marriage creates a “presumption of paternity” in the husband.

The husband is the child’s legal father.

This presumption may be challenged in court.

Court Order discovers a child is receiving TANF or certain categories of Medicaid in Washington, if the non-custodial parent is not in the household and DCS has no case.

The court decides if a man is the father of a child.

To do this, the court usually requires a genetic test of the mother, father, and child. This is especially true if there is more than one possible father.

Use the court process if any party is unsure about signing the affidavit OR if the woman’s husband is unwilling to sign a denial of paternity.

Paternity Affidavit discovers a child is receiving TANF or certain categories of Medicaid in Washington, if the non-custodial parent is not in the household and DCS has no case.

The paternity affidavit is a legal form. State law considers the man who signs this form to be the legal (biological) father of the child.

Both parents must sign the form, being sure to have their signatures notarized.

The form must be filed with the Washington State Department of Health.

Who Signs the Affidavit discovers a child is receiving TANF or certain categories of Medicaid in Washington, if the non-custodial parent is not in the household and DCS has no case.

Sign the form only when both the man and the mother are sure the man is the only possible biological father of the child.

A paternity affidavit signed by a minor is legal. State law holds minors who sign the form to the same degree of responsibility as adults.

If a child is born during a marriage or within 300 days of the end of the marriage, the husband is PRESUMED to be the father.

If the husband agrees to sign the denial of paternity section of the affidavit, another man can be listed as the natural (biological) father. Without the husband’s denial, the natural father will not be listed as the child’s father on the birth certificate.

What if I change my mind? discovers a child is receiving TANF or certain categories of Medicaid in Washington, if the non-custodial parent is not in the household and DCS has no case.

You may ask the court to remove the father’s name from the birth record. This action must be filed with the courts within 60 days of the filing date of the affidavit with Dept of Health (DOH).

If the court allows the rescission, DOH will remove the man’s name from the birth certificate.

YOU CANNOT CHALLENGE THE PATERNITY AFFIDAVIT IF IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN 2 YEARS FROM THE FILING DATE.

How can DCS help with paternity? affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

You can contact our office and open a case for paternity establishment only. This is helpful if you cannot locate the father. This cannot be done if the child is already over the age of 18.

Any court actions and their filing fees are minimal.

ORDER ESTABLISHMENT affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Administrative

Court

ADMIN ORDER affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Set by Division of Child Support

Support Enforcement Officer

NFFR - Notice & Finding of Financial Responsibility

NFMR - Notice & Finding of Medical Responsibility

NFPR - Notice & Finding of Parental Responsibility

ADMIN ORDER affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Service

Certified Mail

Personal Service

Hearing Rights

Default Order

Consent Order

Final Order

COURT ORDER affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Refer to County Prosecutor

Refer to Other State’s Court (UIFSA)

SUPPORT affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact. ORDERS

RANKING

A Court Order supersedes an Admin Order

A determination of Controlling Order may need to be made if multiple court orders exist

ENFORCEMENT affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

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ENFORCEMENT affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Child Support

Medical

Childcare

Spousal Support

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MEDICAL affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Determined by Language in the Order

Premium Limit

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RECURRING INCOME affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

WAGES

Income Withholding For Support

Voluntary Wage Assignment

*Federal Law requires us to send a withholding order to an employer if the NCP is employed.

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RECURRING INCOME affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Labor & Industries

Unemployment Compensation

DFAS – Military Garnishments

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RECURRING INCOME affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Department of Veterans Affairs

Employee Retirement

Title II Social Security Benefits

We do give credit for dependent benefits paid to the custodian of the children

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NON-RECURRING INCOME affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Bank Account Order to Withhold & Deliver

County Liens to secure debt

Department of Corrections Inmate Accounts

County Jail Inmate Accounts

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NON-RECURRING INCOME affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

IRS Certification

Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend

Department of Revenue – Unclaimed Property

Trust Fund Attachment

Legal Settlement Attachment

Lottery Winnings

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OTHER ACTIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

License Certification

Driver’s, Hunting, Fishing, International, Professional, Occupational

Credit Bureau Reporting

Contempt

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OTHER ACTIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Most Wanted Website

Interstate

Federal Judicial Prosecution

Security Bonds

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OTHER ACTIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Employer Non-Compliance

Estate Claim

FCNS – Federal Criminal Non-Support

PSOC –Project Save Our Children

Provides preliminary investigation to increase conviction under FCNS

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OTHER ACTIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Federal Offset Program

IRS Returns

Passports

Federal Employee Travel Reimbursement

FIDM – Federal Institution Data Match

Bank Accounts & Other Assets

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LIMITATIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Washington Law:

50% Limit on Net

Out of State Employers

Follow Laws of State They Operate In

PASS THROUGH affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Looks at the Family Unit

Pass Through Payment

First has to be paid by NCP

$100 for 1 child in household

$200 for 2 or more children in household

May affect Medical or Food Stamps Grant

SUSPENDED

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Applied based on law of the issuing or enforcing state. We may apply whichever law preserves the debt the longest.

The statute can be waived by the NCP

MODIFICATIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Changing a Child Support Order

RCW 26.09.070:

Modification of decree for maintenance or support, property disposition — Termination of maintenance obligation and child support — Grounds.

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MODIFICATIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Reasons to Modify a Child Support Order

Change in income of either party to the order

Change in family composition

Medical provisions

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MODIFICATIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Who Can Petition for Modification?

Noncustodial Parent, Custodial Parent or Custodian may petition for modification at any time.

Cases are reviewed for specific criteria before referring for modification.

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MODIFICATIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Modification Procedures

Administrative Orders are modified through DCS and the Office of Administrative Hearings

Court Orders are modified through Superior Court when referred by DCS.

Court Orders are modified through the Family Court Facilitator when petitioned by parties on the order.

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MODIFICATIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Modification Procedures

Parties can hire an Attorney to proceed with a modification.

Tribal Orders are modified through the Tribal Court.

Intergovernmental Cases follow a matrix for proceeding with a modification. The location of the Noncustodial Parent, Custodial Parent and the Order determine where the modification will be referred.

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MODIFICATIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Modification Criteria

Mandatory review of TANF and Tribal TANF cases every 3 years.

DCS must have locate of parties.

The Transfer Payment must either increase or decrease by $100 per month; 25% of the original Transfer Payment; AND by $2400 over the life of the Order.

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Modification of Administrative Orders affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

DCS Initiated review. Must meet the criteria for modification to be referred to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).

DCS may petition for Modification if Medical Insurance and Cash Medical were not addressed in a Court Order.

Noncustodial Parents, Custodial Parents, and Custodians may petition for a modification of an Administrative Order at any time. Modification Criteria does not apply.

MODIFICATIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Modification of a Court Order

Mandatory DCS Initiated review every 35 months.

The Noncustodial Parent, Custodial Parent or Custodian may petition for modification of a Court Order through DCS every three years.

Cases must meet the following criteria for modification to be referred to the Superior Court. The Transfer Payment must increase or decrease by $100 per month; 25%; AND $2400 over the life of the Order.

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MODIFICATIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Pro Se Modification Through the

Family Court Facilitator

Noncustodial Parents, Custodial Parents and Custodians may petition for modification through the Family Court Facilitator.

May have quicker results.

Minimal cost involved for filing fees, document fees, etc.

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MODIFICATIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Attorney Initiated Modification

Time frames – determined by Attorney’s calendar

Advantage – can address issues other than child support such as visitation, special expenses, etc.

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Dealing with Obstacles affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Large Support Debts can create a barrier to

Family Reconciliation.

DCS may be able to help.

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Negotiation of Payments. affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Reduction of Debt.

Charge off of Debt.

SOLUTIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Negotiation of Payments

Support Enforcement Officers have the authority to negotiate the amount of arrears payments (unless the arrears payment are court ordered).

SEOs may request DCS refund payments.

tax refund attachments.

bank account attachments.

employer payments.

SEOs may initiate a modification review if support is not based upon actual income.

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SOLUTIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Reduction of Debt

SEOs may help the party initiate a late hearing to review the underlying administrative order if the party was not able to request a hearing due to impairment or if there were legal errors.

Canary Notice 180 – “Some of DCS's administrative orders are based on unknown or inaccurate wage information. DCS wants to give parties every chance possible to obtain an accurate order. DCS can assist parties in correcting inaccurate administrative orders through the hearings process.”

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SOLUTIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

Charge Off of Debt

SEOs may initiate a Conference Board review for charge off of debt owed to the State of Washington if there were legal errors, if continuing collection action causes a financial hardship, or the cost of collection exceeds the value of the debt.

Canary Notice 198 – “This CN is supported by a recent research project. The report Overcoming Barriers to Collection recommends streamlining the process for writing off excessive and uncollectable debts.”

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OTHER SOLUTIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

GOOD CAUSE

DCS does not require cooperation if the TANF/MAO custodian is afraid the Non-Custodial Parent may harm the child or custodian, or when there is a good cause claim pending or granted.

Good Cause Level B: DCS can proceed with establishment or enforcement but without CP cooperation.

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OTHER SOLUTIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

FOSTER CARE

DCS does not initiate actions to collect support on a foster care case when collection of current support would reduce the head of household’s income to less than the self support reserve if there are other dependent children in the NCP’s home.

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OTHER SOLUTIONS affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.

FOSTER CARE

DCS does not collect current support if the child is placed:

.

With a birth/adoptive parent,

In a private agency custody,

In a juvenile rehabilitation (JRA) facility,

In a non-funded relative placement.

If an adoptive family has been receiving adoption support services from the state of Washington. DCS will not take any collection or establishment action when the adopted child enters foster care if Children’s Administration determined good cause for the placement.

If the child, NCP or relative placement person has a tribal affiliation SEO’s will consult with the Regional Tribal Liaison.

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THANK YOU! affidavit with DOH, a legal challenge may still be made. The father must be able to show the court that he signed the form under fraud or duress. This is material mistake of fact.